Original British Brass Framed Over and Under Flintlock Double Barrel Tap Action Pistol by Wikinson - circa 1815

Original Item: One of a Kind. Just acquired from a recent antique gun show, this is a very nice British over and under pistol with turn off barrels for loading. On the left side there is a switch so one can decide which barrel will discharge. The pan has a rolling compartment each to serve one of the barrels so effectively the shooter has a second shot at his disposal directly after the first barrel has been fired. They would also choose to fire both at the same time. This type of mechanism is known as a "tap action," and while most were 2 barrel, there were even examples made with 3 or 4 barrels. There is also a slide safety mechanism rear of the hammer, which locks the pan closed until the hammer is fully cocked.

The the barrels are iron/steel, while the box lock action is brass, and is fitted with a very nice flat sided walnut grip. The left side of the box lock is marked WILKINSON and the other side is marked BRISTON. There is a known maker of pistols from the turn of the century named Wilkinson based in BristOL, so we assume this is an error in the engraving, which may have been sourced out. This pistol was most likely made circa 1815 and would have been perfect for an overcoat pocket for self defense or for a serving Officer to carry concealed in case of emergency.

The weapon measures 6 7/8" in overall length with a screw off 2 1/4" smoothbore barrels, which are in good shape, still showing the usual wear and oxidation on the interior. As a real rarity, both still unscrew correctly for loading. The bottom of the tap action has the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the English city of Birmingham on the top near the breech, used from 1813 to 1855 for black powder arms. There is a touch mark between this, which we have not been able to identify.

The action is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it does take a strong trigger pull to get the hammer to fire. The tap action moves correctly, as does the safety, making this a really nice example. Condition is overall very good, with a lovely mustard patina on the brass, and a great aged look to the iron and steel components, though the barrel and some other components look to have had the bluing touched up. The back of the grip has a nice shield-shaped silver escutcheon, which looks to be marked with the initials J. W.. We almost always see these escutcheons blank, so this is a real treat!

A lovely circa 1800 tap action pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: about .43" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 2 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 6 7/8 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Pan Tap
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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